Felinae facts for kids

The Felinae are a group of cats that are part of the larger Felidae family. This group includes many small cats you might know, like your pet cat, and some medium-sized to large cats, such as the speedy cheetah and the powerful cougar.

These cats are found all over the world, from forests to deserts, and they are known for being skilled hunters.

Cat Family Tree: Genetic Groups

Scientists have studied the genes of living cats to create a precise family tree for the Felinae. This helps us understand how different cat species are related to each other. Here are the main genetic groups, or "lineages," they've found:

Lineage 1: Asian and African Forest Cats

This group includes several interesting cats, often found in forests:

• Lineage 1A: Cats like the marbled cat (which looks a bit like a mini-leopard) and the Catopuma cats, such as the Bornean bay cat and the Asian golden cat. These are mostly found in Asia.
• Lineage 1B: This group includes African cats like the tall, slender serval and the strong Caracal. It also has the African golden cat, which lives in the rainforests of Africa.

Lineage 2: Small Spotted Cats of the Americas

This group is made up of small, spotted cats that live in Central and South America.

• The most famous one is the ocelot, known for its beautiful patterned fur.
• Other cats in this group include the tiny guigna, the tree-dwelling margay, and the rare Andean mountain cat that lives high in the mountains.

Lineage 3: The Lynx Group

This group is home to the four species of Lynx. These medium-sized wild cats are known for their short tails, tufted ears, and large paws, which help them walk on snow. They live in colder regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.

Lineage 4: The Fast Hunters

This group includes two very well-known and fast cats:

• The Puma, which includes the cougar (also called a mountain lion or puma), a large and adaptable cat found across the Americas.
• The Acinonyx, which is the cheetah, famous for being the fastest land animal.

Lineage 5: Asian Wildcats with Unique Features

This group contains several Asian wildcats, many of which have special adaptations:

• Prionailurus cats, which are spotted Asian wildcats.
• The Otocolobus (Pallas's cat), known for its thick fur and grumpy expression.
• Other cats here include the leopard cat, the rusty-spotted cat (one of the smallest wild cats), the fishing cat (which loves water and catches fish), and the flat-headed cat.

Lineage 6: Domestic Cats and Their Wild Relatives

This group is very special because it includes our beloved domestic cat and its closest wild relatives.

• The Felis genus is widespread across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
• Notable members include the jungle cat, the desert-dwelling sand cat, and various types of wildcat.
• This group also includes the African wildcat (which is believed to be the ancestor of our domestic cats), the tiny black-footed cat, and the Chinese mountain cat.

Images for kids

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  An ancient saber-toothed cat, Homotherium crenatidens

See also

• In Spanish: Felinos para niños